$200,000 grants on offer

Australia’s banking service dedicated to not-for-profits, Community Sector Banking, has launched the theme for its annual Social Investment Grants Program as building resilience and capability for people who are experiencing homelessness or domestic and family violence. Not-for-profits will be invited to apply for grants totalling $200,000.

The Social Investment Grants Program is funded by Community Sector Banking and contributions from Social Investment Deposit Account holders. The program shows the power that everyday banking can have on the community.

Community Sector Banking selects the themes for its annual Social Investment Grants Program through determining the areas in which they will generate the most impact.

“We had an overwhelming response to last year’s Social Investment Grants Program, which focused on reducing homelessness,” said Andrew Cairns, CEO of Community Sector Banking.

“The theme for the 2017 Social Investment Grants Program was decided after careful consideration – homelessness, together with domestic and family violence are among the greatest social crises we face today, and they are in fact interrelated. Homelessness is a growing problem right across Australia, and a large percentage of those seeking homelessness services have experienced domestic violence.

“Not-for-profits are vital in addressing both homelessness and family violence – they are at the forefront of supporting the most vulnerable in our society. Through our 2017 Social Investment Grants Program, we aim to support not-for-profits to build resilience and capability in those most vulnerable, and ultimately empower them to reverse their situation.”

Key dates for the 2017 Social Investment Grants Program

• 10 July 2017 – grant applications open
• 4 August 2017 – grant applications close 5pm